Ferguson, who was hired on Nov. 6, 1986, walked onto the
field through a honor guard of both teams and Sunderland manager
Steve Bruce, a former United defender. United then announced at
a ceremony that Old Trafford’s North Stand, the biggest at the
stadium, was renamed for the manager.

“I couldn’t believe it,” Ferguson said. “I didn’t expect
that. I have to thank the club, it’s fantastic of them to do
that.”

United got the only goal it needed in first-half stoppage
time courtesy of Brown, who left the club for Sunderland in the
summer. Nani sent in a corner kick which Brown, pressured by
Danny Welbeck, headed into his own goal.

Manchester City remains five points ahead of United after
rallying past QPR.

Yaya Toure’s goal in the 74th minute gave City the victory
at Loftus Road in London. Jay Bothroyd put QPR in front before
Edin Dzeko and David Silva scored for City.

Toure’s Game Winner

QPR tied the game in the 69th minute when Bothroyd’s header
bounced in off the back of Heidar Helguson. Toure then won the
game by heading in Aleksandar Kolarov’s cross with 16 minutes
left.

Newcastle stayed a point behind Manchester United by
beating Everton. The Magpies took the lead on own goal from John
Heitinga and Ryan Taylor’s score before Jack Rodwell scored for
Everton in first-half injury time.

Robin van Persie netted his league-leading 11th goal to
help Arsenal past West Brom. Thomas Vermaelen and Mikel Arteta
also scored as the Gunners won their fourth straight league
match.

The victory moves Arsenal even with sixth-place Liverpool
on 19 points. Liverpool settled for the home draw with Swansea
after Dirk Kuyt scored in the 88th minute only to be ruled
offside.

Darren Bent had two goals in Aston Villa’s home win over
Norwich, while Frank Lampard scored as Chelsea beat Blackburn to
end a two-match losing run in the league.